Viktor Gyokeres has faced significant pressure since moving to Arsenal this season, largely because he arrived on the back of two impressive campaigns at Sporting Club. Expectations were immediately high, with the striker regarded as one of the most sought-after players in the game when he completed his move to the Emirates. Supporters anticipated goals from the outset, and early signs during pre-season appeared encouraging.
Gyokeres even found the net with a header in pre-season, which further raised confidence among fans. That aspect of his performance was particularly notable, as heading had been viewed as a weaker part of his game in recent seasons. Arsenal have spent several years searching for a striker capable of leading the line effectively, and his arrival was widely seen as the solution to a long-standing issue within the squad.
Expectations and early scrutiny
Despite the optimism, Gyokeres has not scored as frequently as many expected. As a result, scrutiny has increased, with attention often focused narrowly on his goal return rather than his overall contribution. The pressure that accompanies a high-profile move to a club like Arsenal has been evident, especially given the belief that his signing would immediately transform their attacking output.
However, judging a striker solely on goals can overlook important aspects of their role within the team. Arsenal’s attacking structure relies on movement, physical presence, and the ability to create space for others, elements that are not always reflected in statistics.
Recognition of his wider role
Former striker Wayne Rooney has offered a more measured assessment of Gyokeres’ impact, speaking according to the Metro. He said, ‘He does a bit more than what you see.
‘Even on Saturday, he occupies the two centre-backs, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane.
‘That creates a bit more space for your number 10 or your wide players who are coming inside.
‘I think he’s important for Arsenal. He’s doing a job which helps other players, he just hasn’t got the goals which you’d expect from him.’
Rooney’s comments highlight the less visible work Gyokeres provides, emphasising his value beyond scoring. While goals remain the ultimate measure for a striker, his ability to support teammates and influence defensive structures suggests his contribution may be greater than it appears.
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Qell Rooneys knows better than some on here. Although I do think we are not getting the best from him.
Well Rooney, not qell🙃
Arteta and Rooney on the same page.
Victor Gyokeres is quietly proving that it is difficult to buy goals. Like Liverpool with Alexander Isak, Arsenal’s purchase of Gyokeres was always high risk.
He scored a lot of goals on penalties in a lesser league. Expecting 20 goals was unrealistic In the end, he’ll score 12-15 goals, notch a few assists, and put up very Havertzian numbers. Right now he is on 5 goals with almost half the season played.
He’s a good player, but has not shown himself to be a great one. His ‘impact’ is such that Arteta is going to roll the dice with Gabriel Jesus at center forward. It’s a good move. Jesus is a high-tempo, on-field leader who gives everything. Like Havertz, he is not a prolific goal scorer, but he does score 10-14 per year, like the German.
Gyokeres is a good player, but he is not the difference maker Arsenal wanted and hoped they were getting. And unlike some of the otherp layers available, he is already in his prime (unless he turns out to be like former Arsenal man and 7-goal scorer for Brighton, Danny Welbeck, and injured Kiwi, Chris Wood; who did their best work after 30.
I agree with Rooney, and I do think he will improve in terms of goal scoring.
However I was expecting more from him when he arrived TBH, and I can now see that I don’t think we will see that prolific striker we were hoping for.
Hope I’m proven wrong.